Policies

In matters specific to council function, management and governing documents, initial contact for council advisors and members should be your respective Regional Director. Local councils must maintain council bylaws, not individual constitutions and bylaws, that are not in conflict with the national governing documents.

ALL councils operating under the name and guise of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and using the official logo, MUST be financial with the national body of NPHC, Inc. and MUST adhere to all policies and procedures of the national organization. Those councils not in good standing are operating under false pretense and illegally under U.S. law.

If there is any question as to whether or not your council is financial, please contact NPHC Headquarters for verification. Email your inquiry to [info@nphchq.org].

All councils must establish and maintain a permanent council mailing address in the form of a PO Box or University Box; a personal mailing address belonging to a council officer is not recommended. NPHC will not assume the responsibility of returned mail or any repercussions that stem there from. Please list council name and mailing information exactly as listed with your local Post Office on all forms requiring your address.

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Alumni (Graduate) Councils are comprised of two or more affiliate organization chapters. Members of the local NPHC council must be financial with their respective affiliate chapter and international organizations. The local alumni council of NPHC shall be designated as the “National Pan-Hellenic Council of the name of the city/town/area.” (Example: National Pan-Hellenic Council of Fresno)

Undergraduate (Collegiate) Councils are comprised of two or more affiliate chapters located on college/university campuses. The members of the campus NPHC are undergraduate students who are financial members with their respective affiliate chapter and international organizations. The undergraduate council is designated as the “National Pan-Hellenic Council of the college/university name.” (Example: National Pan-Hellenic Council of [the] University of Arizona)

If improperly named, your council should complete and submit the Request for Council Name Change form above to NPHC Headquarters.

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Due to issues of liability, local organizations other than nationally affiliated organizations of NPHC, Inc. are strictly prohibited to sit on a local graduate or undergraduate council. If a council and/or college or university allows this violation that entity assume sole liability.

NPHC is by no means an exclusive organization. The NPHC Constitution and Bylaws and Task Force Summary report (October 1999) specifically outlines criteria for membership in NPHC, Inc. As is the case with the North-American Interfraternity Conference, Inc. (NAIC or NIC) and National Panhellenic Conference, Inc. (NPC), any national or international organization meeting the set criteria may petition for membership under the NPHC strategic alliance.

Article IV - Membership, Section 2, of the current NPHC Constitution expounds upon this category of membership.

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The National Pan-Hellenic Council recognizes that “step shows” are a creative and unique form of artistic and musical entertainment, especially at the undergraduate level. At most colleges and universities, students who are members of Greek-letter fraternities and sororities participate in such forms of entertainment as a means to promote and enhance the image of their respective fraternal organization and to showcase the talent of their membership. Step shows provide students, parents, faculty members, college and university officials, and the public a forum to better understand the unique culture (e.g., history and traditions) of African American fraternities and sororities.

Such cultural expressions may also have the potential for individuals to form opinions about the values and beliefs of local fraternities and sororities, as language, behavior, and symbols send strong messages. Additionally, it is plausible that step shows help prospective members become more informed about the organization in which they seek membership. Step shows have the potential to be a source of marketing African American fraternities and sororities.

For fraternity and sorority members, many step shows help create an environment conducive to intra and inter-group fellowship. This bonding may be particularly valuable to African American students matriculating at predominately White institutions, where many of these students feel isolated and perceive a lack of emotional support.

Although step shows enhance the undergraduate experience, they should not involve the degradation and/or belittlement of any other Greek-letter organizations, including fraternities and sororities affiliated with the NPHC, National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, National Interfraternity Conference, and the National Panhellenic Conference.

Further, step shows which take the form of dancing, singing, and/or skits should not be performed using lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior. Although freedom of expression is valued by this organization, performances of such reproach are not only inconsistent with the negative stereotyping which often overshadows the positive philanthropic and global projects undertaken by NPHC organizations.

The nine national presidents of the historically African American NPHC fraternities and sororities strongly urge undergraduates to consider positive themes when developing step shows. Such shows can highlight famous African American contributions to society. When skits are performed, they should be developed to convey positive political, social justice, and moral messages. The NPHC invites local councils and affiliated organizations to send creative, alternative step show ideas to the NPHC International headquarters for widespread exchange of artistic and musical expression.

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The NPHC is concerned about the governing problem of substance abuse through the consumption of alcohol and the use of drugs, especially on college campuses. This is due to the alarming number of disastrous incidents in which alcohol and drugs play a part and the adverse health conditions caused by and relating to substance abuse.

The NPHC position is that the sale or consumption of alcohol or drugs at any NPHC council sponsored event on campus or at any student’s residence or other facility is strictly prohibited.

NPHC strongly suggests that every undergraduate council offer educational programs specifically addressing the problems of and solutions to substance abuse on or around the local campus.

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